I have just taken over the Fire Risk Assessment for a one storey office complex.

The current office manager is reporting that the first floor exit signs just show arrows, and do not show that egress will be via going down stairs. A request for new signs has been submitted.

I have looked through a variety of guidance but can only find the requirement to have suitable signs in place. I can find no obligation to have literal signage in place. If I apply the common sense filter then I perceive these arrows, whilst not pointing down, to be adequate. I am struggling to justify the expense of changing signs just because of a slight tilt in the angle of the arrow. Cost v Common sense.

Am I overlooking some legislation or is this an issue over nothing? Thank you forum :)

People do get disorientated in fire/smoke situations, especially strangers/visitors.

It would help if the signs near stairs pointed up or down. Not rocket science and not too expensive.

Invictus can you please let me have the address of one of those institutions you mentioned, it sems I may need it.

Correction: Two floors (ground and first floor). Two stairways. One internal (with stair lift) and one metal external escape to ground floor.

Users: Perm staff, desk hoppers and public (meeting rooms). A majority of the time it will be full of familiar staff (less than 20). Main use: Desk, laptop, admin. No high risk activity.

I suppose this comes down to who will see the sign and how they will interpret it. If there is any room for doubt then the default could be to just change? The cost is an issue because at one point in time they invested in some fancy illuminated signs. They look great. Would look better if the arrows reflected reality, maybe.

A big thanks for your replies though. It is great to read how others read this issue. So glad I have just joined IOSH :)